Hospital charity care in Georgia
Georgia’s Indigent Care Trust Fund (ICTF) is the main state-level mechanism. Hospitals that receive ICTF / DSH money must provide free care to patients under 125% of the federal poverty level and sliding-scale or free care to at least 200% FPL. Federal 501(r) rules still apply to all nonprofits.
Indigent Care Trust Fund (ICTF)
Hospitals receiving ICTF or related DSH payments must operate a formal program of free and reduced-charge care for medically indigent patients.
Under 125% FPL
Participating hospitals must provide services free of charge to patients whose family income is below 125% of FPL.
125–200% FPL
Hospitals must provide free care or a sliding fee scale for patients between 125% and at least 200% of FPL.
ICTF-participating hospitals
Most major hospitals participate. Nonprofits also have full federal 501(r) obligations regardless of ICTF status.
Georgia ICTF minimums (plus hospital FAPs)
| Income level | Required / typical benefit at ICTF hospitals |
|---|---|
| Under 125% FPL (~$19,950 for 1 person) | 100% free care required |
| 125%–200% FPL | Free or sliding-scale discount required |
| Above 200% FPL | Depends on the hospital’s own FAP (many go higher) |
For 2026, 125% FPL for a family of four is approximately $41,250 and 200% FPL is $66,000. Individual hospital Financial Assistance Policies often extend free or discounted care beyond the ICTF minimums. Always check the specific hospital’s posted policy.
What Georgia patients should know
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Required
ICTF free & sliding-scale mandate
Participating hospitals cannot simply refuse low-income patients; they must have and follow a free/sliding program up to at least 200% FPL.
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Protected
No deposit or delay for indigent patients
Hospitals cannot require a deposit or delay treatment solely because a patient is indigent.
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Federal right
Federal 501(r) for nonprofits
240-day window, AGB pricing, and collections rules apply on top of ICTF requirements.
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Required
Public notice
Hospitals must publicly advertise the availability of free and reduced-charge services and how to apply.
Citizenship / residency notes
Some ICTF rules historically referenced U.S. citizenship or Georgia residency for certain funding streams. Federal 501(r) charity care itself does not require citizenship. Ask the hospital which rules apply to your situation.
How to look up a specific hospital’s rules
Search the hospital name + “financial assistance policy” or “Indigent Care Trust Fund” / “charity care application.” Most large Georgia systems (Emory, Piedmont, Wellstar, Northside, Grady, etc.) post their FAPs online. You can also call billing and specifically ask for the ICTF / charity care / financial assistance application.
Where this page’s claims come from
- Georgia Department of Community Health — Indigent Care Trust Fund
- Georgia Rules 111-3-6 (Indigent Care Trust Fund)
- Dollar For — Georgia Charity Care Law summary
- IRS Section 501(r) Requirements for Nonprofit Hospitals
General information, not legal advice
Confirm current ICTF participation and exact tiers with the Georgia Department of Community Health or the hospital’s financial assistance office.